Economic Development Specialist III; Energy; SR

Plans, organizes, identifies, coordinates, and develops opportunities for the expansion of new and existing businesses or community initiatives, assists in the development of emerging and existing industries; develops, promotes, and implements project initiatives; identifies funding sources; administers and monitors grants; and participates in the promotion of effective relationships with businesses, governmental entities, and community stakeholders; and performs other duties as required.

There is one (1) immediate permanent full-time vacancy with the Department of Research and Development - Energy Division in Hilo.

The eligible list may be used for other permanent and temporary vacancies as they arise during the life of the list. Temporary appointment may lead to conversion to permanent appointment.

• County energy strategy and program management:
  • Leads the development, implementation, maintenance, and periodic updating of County energy goals, objectives, strategies, plans, and priority actions; conducts strategic research and analysis; identifies implementation options, partnerships, funding opportunities, and program needs; and recommends courses of action to advance long-term County energy priorities.
  • Develop measurable action steps for County to meet State of Hawai'i's Renewable energy goal by 2035.
• Public engagement and stakeholder facilitation:
  • Leads community engagement, public education, stakeholder outreach, and facilitation related to County energy issues; organizes and conducts meetings, workshops, briefings, and other forums; gathers and incorporates community input into energy planning and implementation efforts; and maintains effective liaison with residents, community organizations, businesses, agencies, and the Mayor's Office on energy matters, including issues of significant public interest or controversy.
• Interagency coordination and external representation:
  • Represents the County at boards, committees, working groups, hearings, panels, and other meetings involving energy policy, planning, infrastructure, and economic development; coordinates with County departments and external partners including state and federal agencies, utilities, regulatory bodies, and community organizations; and serves as a County resource person on energy-related initiatives and proceedings.
• Data analysis, scenario updates, and performance reporting:
  • Conducts and oversees the collection, compilation, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of energy-related data; utilizes analytical tools, modeling outputs, mapping products, and other technical information to support decision-making; develops and updates indicators, scenario analyses, and performance measures; and coordinates the development and maintenance of public-facing energy performance reporting, including periodic roadmap updates and annual summary reporting on Hawai'i Island's energy status and progress.
• Legislative, regulatory, and policy support:
  • Monitors County, state, and federal legislation, policy developments, regulatory proceedings (State of Hawai'i Public Utilities Commission dockets), and agency actions affecting energy planning, infrastructure, resilience, and affordability; reviews and drafts bills, resolutions, comments, testimony, briefing materials, and policy recommendations; and participates in hearings and related proceedings as a County representative or resource person.
• Project, grant, and contract coordination:
  • Coordinates and monitors County-supported energy projects, pilot programs, grants, and contracts; assists with scope development, partner coordination, procurement, contractor oversight, progress tracking, and evaluation of outcomes; and works with County, state, federal, nonprofit, academic, and private-sector partners to advance implementation of energy initiatives and secure external resources where feasible.
  • Responsible for annual Department Impact grant Request for Proposals for Energy program.
• Energy resilience and emergency preparedness support:
  • Monitors the fuel and energy supply situation affecting Hawai'i Island and coordinates with appropriate agencies and partners on energy resilience, emergency preparedness, recovery planning, and continuity considerations related to natural or human-caused disruptions.
• Other duties as assigned by Department Director/Deputy.

A combination of education and experience substantially equivalent to:

• graduation from an accredited college or university with a baccalaureate degree (scan and…